Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Low birth weight linked to long-term respiratory problems

Infants with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems that persist into adulthood. Researchers found that those with very low birth weight were twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma or respiratory infection, and 2.6 times more likely to require mechanical ventilation.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 7, 2009

The perils of ageism

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that young, healthy individuals who stereotype old people are at risk of heart disease years down the road. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 participants and found a striking link between negative age attitudes early in life and poor cardiovascular health later on.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 10, 2009

UNC study: Mental illness by itself does not predict future violent behavior

Research challenges common perception that mental illness alone increases risk of future violence, instead finding mental illness combined with substance abuse to be a significant predictor. Other factors such as history of past violence, unemployment, and parental criminal history were found to be more predictive of future violence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2009

Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths

Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 9, 2008

Why Lincoln fell gravely ill after delivering his Gettysburg Address

A recent study suggests that President Abraham Lincoln was suffering from a life-threatening form of smallpox when he delivered his Gettysburg Address. Researchers compared clinical features of Lincoln's illness to those of smallpox and found a close match, suggesting he had contracted variola major, the more severe form of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Medical Biography·DateMay 17, 2007

Stroke symptoms common among general population

A large national study found that 18 percent of adults without a history of stroke report having had at least one symptom. Brief physical examinations revealed undiagnosed or silent strokes in many individuals. African Americans and those with lower incomes were more likely to have had these symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 9, 2006

Link discovered between depression and changes in the brain in Alzheimer's disease

A study found that Alzheimer's patients with a history of depression have more rapid cognitive decline and greater brain changes, including tangles and plaques in the hippocampus. The findings suggest that identifying potential mechanisms linking geriatric depression to AD may lead to new treatment strategies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2006

Lung cancer screening encouraged for smokers with a strong family history of the disease

A recent study suggests that individuals with a family history of lung cancer are at increased risk, with approximately a two-to-threefold higher chance of developing the illness. Researchers recommend identifying high-risk populations through data collection on family history and genetic susceptibility to facilitate targeted screening...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 1, 2006

Assessing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in snorers

Researchers propose a new method to detect OSAS in patients with snoring, using medical history and routine physical examination. A study of 101 patients found that these methods were insufficient to distinguish between snorers and those with OSAS.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateFeb 21, 2005

History of smoking significantly reduces survival in head and neck cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that smokers have a higher risk of death, disease recurrence, and poorer survival rates compared to non-smokers with head and neck cancer. Researchers highlighted the importance of tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol use to improve quality of life and survival.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2004